Statement re NewMedia SPARK

Collins Stewart Holdings PLC
18 March 2003



Collins Stewart Holdings plc




In the prospectus issued by Collins Stewart Holdings plc ('Collins Stewart')
with regard to the issue of shares in connection with the offers for Tullett plc
and the placing and open offer (dated 23 January 2003), Collins Stewart
confirmed that it had been in discussions with NewMedia SPARK plc ('Spark')
which might have led to an offer for Spark. Collins Stewart announces that,
following recent further discussions with Spark, it has become apparent that any
bid for Spark by Collins Stewart would not be at a level which the Board of
Spark would feel able to recommend to Spark shareholders. Consequently, it has
been mutually agreed that discussions should be terminated.


HSBC Bank plc, of 8 Canada Square London E14 5HQ, has approved the contents of
this announcement for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and
Markets Act 2000.


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